The Water Cycle

First, the Sun heats the surface of the river, lake or Ocean and the water evaporates.

Evaporation

Evaporation is when liquid (water) turns into gas (water vapour) as it is heated up.

Then, the water vapour rises. As it cools down, it forms clouds at a high altitude(Condensation).

Condensation

Condensation is when the water vapour cools down and forms clouds

Next, the water falls from the heavy clouds as rain, freezing rain, hail or snow.

Precipitation

Precipitation is when the clouds become heavy and it starts to fall. If it is warm enough it will be rainfall. If it is cold, it will be snow or hail.

The water collects in rivers, lakes and oceans and the water cycle starts all over again.

Collection

Collection is when the water that has fallen collects together and forms a body of water.